On this lovely Cinco de Mayo (that’s the 5th of May), I thought I’d share some of my favorite family Mexican recipes. I confess, I have not personally made all of them, but I have tasted all of them, so I’m going to say that’s good enough for now.

Growing up, a staple food of Mexican-inspired goodness was green chilie. This recipe was one my Grandma came up with and passed down to my Mom, who unsuccessfully has tried to pass it on down to me. I say unsuccessfully because she has given it to me several times, but I have yet to even think about attempting it. This vat of deliciousness has been smothered on burritos, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and even been eaten plain. By me. It has the perfect balance of flavors and is a great addition to just about any Mexican dish. Or by itself. The catch? This green chili is not green – it’s more reddish in color. Surprise!

Saute ground beef in a skillet with onion and garlic until beef is fully cooked. You could use ground turkey in place of beef. Add tomato sauce, salsa, green chilies, chilie powder, cumin, corn, and kidney beans. I also add some diced jalapenos. Stir to mix and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, and oregano.

Arrange 6 tortillas on bottom and up sides of a lightly greased 9″ by 13″ deep-sided baking pan, overlapping as needed. Add about 1/2 of the meat mixture. Spoon egg and cheese mixture on top of meat sauce and add 1/2 of the cheddar cheese. Add a second layer of tortillas and repeat layering ingredients until you run out. (I usually do 6 tortillas on the bottom, 4 in the middle, and 2 on top followed by the last little bit of what I have left to layer)

Finish with a garnish on top if you want. I like cilantro and sliced avocado.

Bake for 30-45 minutes.

Mexican Lasagna

Chicken Tortilla Soup

For an amazing Chicken Tortilla Soup, check out this recipe. I don’t use the roasted poblano peppers, but instead add 2 diced fresh jalapenos and 2 cans of green chilies (mild). Additionally, I add a small bag of frozen corn, and 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans. I would also add more tomato than it calls for and a little more salt. I personally stir guacamole in to my own bowl, but you can use sour cream as well. Top with cheese. Makes my tastebuds want to Salsa.

And of course you can’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo without some killer margaritas. This is my FAVORITE margarita recipe. Again, from my Grandma. Very simple. Very strong. Very perfect.

If you want, you can choose to dip your glass in Sweet & Sour then in salt…serve with a wedge of lime and enjoy!

¡FELICITACIONES! You are now fully prepared for a proper Cinco de Mayo! If you make any of these recipes, let me know how they turn out! Oh, and no skimping on the guacamole…that should be homemade too.